Air India has unveiled Vista Digital Platform, a new inflight entertainment system designed to connect seatback screens with the airline’s app, website and wider travel services.
Developed by the airline’s in-house design and software teams, the platform is scheduled to begin rolling out on selected new aircraft deliveries in the second half of 2027. Air India plans to extend it across the fleet over time.
The software is currently being integrated with inflight entertainment hardware. Planned features include personalised viewing, the ability to resume content on a later flight and map-based discovery of destination experiences.
A Consistent Interface Across Aircraft
Vista is intended to give passengers a familiar entertainment interface across different aircraft types, reducing the differences they encounter when moving between systems.
The platform will support over-the-air software and content updates. Air India says this will allow it to introduce features and services more quickly and at a lower cost.
Dr. Satya Ramaswamy, Air India’s Chief Digital and Technology Officer, said developments in open-source operating systems, satellite broadband and artificial intelligence were creating opportunities to make seatback entertainment a more connected part of the journey.
Resume a Film on Your Next Flight
One of Vista’s planned features is continuity between journeys. Passengers will be able to resume a film or programme from where they stopped on a previous Air India flight, rather than searching for their place again.
The airline’s mobile app will also develop into a companion to the onboard system. Passengers will be able to browse entertainment and curate their preferences before boarding, then interact with the inflight system during their flight.
Air India says future functions could include access to loyalty services, travel information and selected booking features directly from the seatback screen.
Streaming-Style Browsing and Personalisation
Vista’s interface will take inspiration from streaming platforms, with AI-powered recommendations intended to help passengers find relevant content and services.
The planned offering extends beyond films and television to include gaming, children’s content, reading materials, meals and travel products.
Air India’s aim is to connect these functions within its existing digital services, making the inflight screen another way for passengers to interact with the airline.
Map-Based Discovery of Destination Experiences
The platform will also feature a patent-pending capability Air India calls “commerce-on-map”.
The feature could allow passengers to discover and book experiences or travel services associated with places they are flying over or planning to visit. It would add destination browsing and booking options to the inflight map experience.
Vista remains in development, with deployment planned in phases. Air India has not specified which aircraft deliveries will receive it first or when the wider fleet rollout will be completed.
